Votes on Facebook through Friday, April 13, will help Hope senior Aida Alvarado of Holland as she competes in Challenge Detroit, an initiative to help revitalize the city by attracting innovative young professionals to the community.

Alvarado is one of 100 semi-finalists remaining out of more than 900 applicants from around the world. The top 60 vote-getters will advance to an on-site interview and review process in May, from which 30 will be selected to participate in the year-long program.

It’s necessary to have a Facebook account to vote. The following link leads directly to Alvarado’s entry.

There is also a “Share” button for those interested in spreading the word.

Challenge Detroit seeks to attract and retain tomorrow’s leaders, uniting them as a step toward energizing the city’s creative and professional core. For a year starting in September, the participants will be employed with partner companies while also working together in team challenges geared toward benefiting Detroit.

“I have a huge passion for helping people, and this opportunity would mean so much for me, as I move on from Hope,” Alvarado has said.

On the Facebook page, she notes, “I am a learner and a believer. I feel that Detroit is entering a period of change, and I see the potential for enormous growth in the city. I want to give of my time and talents to help Detroit flourish and to help given the community further hope in its city. I don’t shy away from challenges, and I am confident my abilities would be of great use in this initiative. It would be an honor to give back to the people of MI by reviving one of our greatest cities.”